Sax in the City celebrates 20 years of summer concerts

By Samantha Ickes Independent staff writer

Monday

Jul 9, 2018 at 11:22 AM

Dinner and two performances will highlight the 20th anniversary of the Summer Concert Series.

MASSILLON The Summer Concert Series has provided entertainment to the Massillon community and Stark County residents for 20 years. Sax in the City features a dinner and a show in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Summer Concert Series.

A sit-down dinner in Duncan Plaza will kick off the evening at 5:30 p.m. Friday as Rob Thompson, known as "Saxy Rob," plays music ranging from the 1950s to today's hits.

The evening presents a roaring '20s theme with actors from Spring Hill Historic Home dressing for the decade and jazz music being the main event with FORECAST performing at 7 p.m.

"It was another event to add to the year and to the concert that was kind of different and make one of the concerts really special," said Anita Combs, who helped coordinate the event.

Because a count is needed for the dinner to ensure enough food is prepared, dinner tickets closed during the weekend.

However, concert tickets to see the 7 p.m. show will be available up to the time of the event. Tickets can be purchased ahead at City Hall, Kozmo's Grille and Tremont Coffee Co. or at the entrance for $10.

Over the past two decades, Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry said, the Summer Concert Series has become a tradition in the city. The concerts continue to be a popular event for Massillon and surrounding communities.

"I think people love when it's summertime to get up and get outside to listen to music and have a little bit of fun," Catazaro-Perry said. "People still enjoy it, and that's what is so nice about it. It hasn't grown old."

The 20th anniversary year has featured a wide range of music from country to electronic pop to contemporary jazz coming Friday.

As the series continues in future summers, Catazaro-Perry said, the city wants to continue this year's pattern by including a range of music genres to cater to all music lovers.

"We wanted to have a variety of different types of music so we're not just playing to the same crowd," she said. "We're just trying to make sure we're entertaining all likes of music, and that's what is exciting about changing it up a little bit."

Other 20th anniversary celebrations are in the works, including a "passport" that will be passed out to concert goers in August. Participants can travel to local businesses to get "stamps" in their passport. Anyone who visits all the locations will be entered to win a prize.

Business will be donating the items given away as prizes, Combs said. After discussing with city officials the idea, Combs said the city felt it was a great way to encourage residents to visit local businesses and maybe try a restaurant or coffee shop they never had.

The idea transpired from the date night the city has held for Valentine's Day and during Mother's Day weekend. The passport, however, will be good for two to three weeks, giving participants more time to explore businesses.

Catazaro-Perry has been involved in the Summer Concert Series for seven years during her time as mayor. When she began working with the city to schedule the concerts, there was little to no funding for the event.

However, the first year of her involvement raised more than $70,000 to help continue putting on fun, summertime entertainment for the community.

"People from all around the county come to the concerts, which is really nice because we get to bring people into the city and enjoy the weather and music," she said. "It's something we hope to continue for many years."